Apple to fully produce Severance and plans to expand the franchise

Apple Studios is taking full control over the production of future seasons of the series Severance. According to Deadline, Apple acquired the rights to the show and its intellectual property from Fifth Season back in December. Sources estimate the deal was worth around $70 million. While Fifth Season will remain credited as an executive producer, Apple Studios is now fully responsible for the series’ future.

Severance is set to become one of Apple’s flagship shows, alongside other major platform projects like Sticks starring Owen Wilson and Palm Royale with Kristen Wiig. Apple previously purchased the rights to the sci-fi dystopian series Silo after its first season premiered.

Deadline reports that production costs for Severance began to exceed Fifth Season’s budget capabilities. The studio had already turned to Apple for upfront financing and even considered moving filming from New York to Canada for better tax incentives. Meanwhile, Apple reportedly assisted not just with funding but also in securing advertisers.

Given that the second season of Severance became the most-watched show on Apple TV+ and Apple’s deep financial resources, the company decided to take the project completely in-house. This move will ensure the production stays in New York and removes budget constraints.

Deadline also notes the series was originally planned for four seasons. Additionally, showrunner Dan Erickson and director Ben Stiller have hinted at the possibility of spin-offs, which now seem more realistic as the Severance universe continues to expand.